Musée d'Arts de Nantes

The Nantes Museum of Arts, originally known as the Fine Arts Museum of Nantes, is one of the largest museums in the region, established by Napoléon Bonaparte in 1801. The museum's building, with its historic facades, roof, and stairs, has been a registered historical monument since 1975. The museum boasts a rich collection of works, including major pieces from the 19th century, purchased by the city of Nantes from the collection of the brothers Pierre and François Cacault. It offers an overview of all the main French and European art movements, placing its collections among the largest public collections in the province. The museum underwent a significant expansion in 2011, increasing its area to 17,000 m2 and incorporating the chapel of the Oratory for temporary exhibitions. The museum's architecture is a testament to the late 19th century, with a central courtyard covered with a glass roof and a dual circuit of galleries and rooms. The museum is set to reopen in December 2016 after a three-year delay due to construction complications.